Analysis says 28 states have at least two abortion restrictions conflicting with science

by Steffi Lee

MGN Online

DES MOINES, Iowa —

A new analysis by an organization supporting access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion, says there are 28 states that have at least two abortion restrictions that conflict with science.

The Guttmacher Institute's analysis says at least 10 types of abortion restrictions "are premised on assertions not supported by rigorous scientific evidence." Kansas and Texas are highlighted as the top of the nation in having these restrictions. Louisiana, Oklahoma and South Dakota are listed next.

In Kansas and Texas, the laws that are cited as conflicting with scientific evidence are bans on telemedicine abortions, counseling and waiting period requirements and a ban on abortions after 20 weeks.

The report says Iowa only has one law that's in conflict with scientific evidence, which is that only doctors can perform abortions. Another law was highlighted, which was a ban on telemedicine abortions, but the Iowa Supreme Court had struck that down a few years back.

"I think that it's very, very clear that science is on the side of life," Iowa Right to Life spokeswoman Jenifer Bowen said, in responding to the analysis. Bowen says their organization goes across the state hosting educational booths continuing to advocate for the pro-life movement.

And the Governor has since signed into law a bill banning most abortions after 20 weeks, and the law included a three day waiting period for anyone seeking abortions. That portion of the law is temporarily blocked by the Iowa Supreme Court, as Planned Parenthood and the ACLU are challenging the state over that provision. This was done in the first few days of May, after the analysis was completed.

Drake University Professor and Chair of Law, Politics and Society Renee Cramer says it's unclear even with Supreme Court rulings on other states' abortion laws, what's to come from the continued court challenge over the three day waiting period in Iowa. The Iowa Supreme Court has referred it back to a lower court to take further action.

"Especially in rural states or states with very few abortion care providers, it's unclear if that would be considered an undue burden by the current court," she said.

Cramer says it's likely what is decided could be appealed further, potentially to the U.S. Supreme Court.

In five years, Iowa's abortion law could be very different," she said.